SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JULY 03: A parking meter displays the word "expired" on July 3, 2013 in San Francisco, California. San Francisco's parking ticket fees became the highest in the country on July 1 when the city raised fees by $2 per citation to $74 downtown and $64 for areas outside the city's center.

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee wants to end the practice of charging drivers who use parking meters on Sundays.

The city started charging for Sunday street parking last January, in an effort to help the cash-strapped San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. Officials expected the change to bring in $1.7 million annually. But it brought in a lot more than that in 2013, closer to $6 million.

Now, Mayor Lee plans to call for the rollback in his State of the City address on Friday, as he said he does not want to “nickel-and-dime people to death.” He had heard plenty of griping, from both residents and visitors, about charging for parking at meters, especially since many were being dinged with parking tickets that can cost as much as $72.

So instead, in his address on Friday, Lee is expected to ask voters to approve a $500 million general obligation bond in November to fund transportation in the city.

This appears to be just a part of what Mayor Lee is doing to make San Francisco a more affordable destination. With the lack of affordable housing remaining in the headlines, and recent polls showing residents concerned about being priced out of their own city, Lee is expected to make this one of many measures to express those growing concerns.

Muni officials still have to approve the Sunday parking rollback, which will not include the 1,300 meters operated by the port, including those near AT&T Park, the Ferry Building and Fisherman’s Wharf.

You can hear Phil Matier’s comments Monday through Friday at 7:50am and 5:50pm on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM.

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Phil Matier

Whether it’s politics, personalities or analysis Phil Matier is one of best informed insiders in the Bay Area.
In addition to his work with KPIX 5, Matier and fellow journalist Andy Ross co-write a news column for the San Francisco Chronicle. The...